Hydraulic system and control



Feb. 20, 1940. w, ERNST 2,190,939

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND CONTROL Filed Aug. 5, 1955 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb'zo, 1940. w, ERNST 2,190,939

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND CONTROL Filed Aug.v 5, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 20, 1940. w ERNST l HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND CONTROL Filed Aug. 5, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 20, 194i) UNITED STATES HYDRAULIC SYSTFJE AND CONTROL Walter Ernst, Mount Gilead, Ohio, assigner, by mesne assignments, to The Hydraulic Press Corporationnlnc., Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application August 5, 1935, Serial No. 34,652

15 Claims.

This invention relates to hydraulic machinery. and in particular, to circuits and devices for controlling presses and similar hydraulic machnery. l

One object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic circuit containing a press, with means for lay-passing the delivery of the pump after the working stroke has been completed. until the pressure has been released from the main lll cylinder during the delivery into the pull-back cylinders.

Another object is to provide such a circuit containing means for obtaining release pressure from the lmain cylinder before the start of the pull-back stroke.

Another object is to provide a circuit having automatic devices for diverting the application of the pump pressure to the pull-back cylinders until the pressure has been suiiiciently released 2@ from the main. cylinder, after which the pump is automatically applied to discharge its pres- Asure into the pull-back cylinders, thus giving a smooth release of pressure from the main cylinder and a smooth pick-up on the pull-back e5 stroke.

.another object is to provide an electro-hydraul-s ic circuit for electrically regulating the condition of the hydraulic circuit and permitting the press to be operated manually, semi-automaticaln 1y or completely automatically.

Another object is to provide such an electro- Ahydraulic circuitwherein the electrical circuit is controlled by means associated with the pump control mechanism.

as VAnother object is to provide an electrical circuit arranged to energize an electrical device, which in turn, shifts a valve to vary its positions so as to control the operation of the press. this valve having means associated therewith for by 4o passing the delivery of the pump between the in stant of release of pressure from the main. cylinder and the time when such release is com-a plete, before pressure is applied to the .pull-back cylinders for the return stroke.

i5 Another object is to provide a pump control system having an electrical circuit regulator :9.an sociatedwith the pump control so that the latter operates the former when the attainment of a predetermined pressure causes the pump con- I trol to shift.

Another object is to provide a four-way valve for controlling a press, and having a by-pass ar rangement for automatically by-passing the delivery of the pump untilthe pressure has been suiliciently released trom the main cylinder,

whereupon the pump delivery is automatically applied to the pull-back cylinders to accomplish the return stroke of the press.

In the drawings:

, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view, partly in section, of the lrvdraulio circuit of this invention, with the principal elements thereof shown in diagrammatic form.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the press and associated control mechanism according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the press shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a central, vertical section through the press, taken along the line 4 4 of FigureA 2.

Figure 5 is a. central, vertical section through a pump, showing the electrical circuit regulating device associated with the pump control.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of the electrical circuit regulating device shown in Figure 5, with the parts in a position disengaged from the switch.

Figure '1 is a view similar to Figure 6, but with the parts in a position engaging the switch.

Figure 8 is a view, partly in section, taken along the line 8 8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a wiring-diagram or the electrical control system.

`Figure luis a horizontal section through the control valve of this invention, taken alongl the line illi0 of Figure l, and showing the valve in its rst position, for causing a forward movement of the press.

Figure 11 is a View similar to Figure 10, but 'with the valve in its second position, i. e., during the pressing operation.

Figure l2 is a view similar fto Figure 10, but with the valve in its third position, i. e., during the interval between the io1ward and return strokes of the press, and while the pump discharge is being ley-passed during .the release of pressure from the main cylinder.

Figure 13 is a View similar to Figure l0, bu with the valve in its fourth position, i. e., during the return stroke of the press.

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 10, but

withthe'valve in its iifth position, i. e., while Figure 18 is a vertical section along the line I8-I8-of Figure'13.

GENERAL ABRANGEMENT In general, the present invention is concerned Hitherto, when four-way valves have beenA employed with a pump discharging in one direction, it has been found dicult to control the release of the pressure from the large main cylinder during the operation of the valve. If the valve was opened quickly a recoil resulted, due to the sudden release of pressure from the main cylinder. On the other hand, if' it was attempted to release the pressure slowly or release it through a restricted opening, then a timeinterval occurred during which there was no place for the discharge of the pump to go. The pump discharge was to be directed into the pull-back'cylinders, but could not return the press until after the pressure had dropped from the main cylinder.' If this pressure drop occupied too long a time, a shock was vset up in the pump and discharged into the pull-back cylinders Withoutv causing the platen to move.

The present invention includes a valve having an additional valve stem which is automatically held open by the pressure in the main cylinder as long as there is any pressure in this main cylinder, this additional valve stem providing a by-pass for the pump until all pressure has been released from themain cylinder. In this manner there is provided a controlled release of pressure from the main cylinder at any desired speed, and yet the pump dischargeis automatically bypassed While theV release of pressure in the main cylinder takes place. After this main cylinder pressure is fully released, the by-pass automatically closes and permits'the pump discharge to ow into the pull-back vcylinders and return the press. In this way there is providedfa smooth release of pressure, and a smooth pick-up on the pull-back stroke.

The valve in the present invention is actuated by electrical means controlled by a switch asso,- ated withthe pump controllmechanism, thereby eliminating the necessity for separate Apressure switches, or similar devices. The electrical circuit containing thesedevices is arranged so that the press may be operated in three different ways: Completely automatic operation, wherein the press automatically performs an indeterminate number of pressing and return strokes without halting at the end of the return stroke; semi-automatic operation, wherein the press is caused to execute a pressing and return stroke, and then h'alt at the end of the return stroke; and manual operation,.wherein the operation of the press is controlled manually so that the operator controls the point at which the press platen will stop at the end of thepressing stroke and/or the return stroke.

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic layoutof the principal elements involved in the system of this invention. In Figure 1 is shown a press, generally designated I, connected to a control valve, generally designated 2, which receives the discharge of a pump, generally designated 3. The pump 3 is provided with a pressure-responsive control device, generally designated 4, which returns the flow-control element of the pump to a neutral position upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure, the amount of which may be regulated by the adjusting mechanism, generally designated 5. An electrical circuit-breaking device, generally designated 6, is associated with the pressure-responsive device 4 and actuated thereby to control the energization of. the electrical devices employed for shifting the control valve 2 to its various positions. As hereinafter explained, the control valve 2 may also be shifted mechanically by devices associated with the press. The pump 3 is driven by the electric motor 'I (Figure3).

Press construction and. associated mechanism The press I, shown in the drawings, has incorporated therein the various devices of this invention, and consists of a base I and a top member II interconnected by strain rods I2, and clamped thereto by the nuts I3. The base I0 has associated therewith a work table I4.

The main cylinder 26 contains a main plunger 21,|passing through a ,packing 28 compressed by a gland 29 through the cap screws 30, thereby preventing leakage from the main cylinder 26 around the main plunger 21. To the lower end of the main plunger 2l is attached thel platen 3l, which is reciprocably mounted upon the strain rods I2, and which is held in engagement therewith by the end plates 32 secured to the platen by the cap screws 33.

The platen 3| in its central plane and at its outer extremities contains projecting `portions forming arms 34, which have bores 35 arranged to receive the ends of pull-back piston rods 36 (Figure 4), these being secured thereto by the nuts 3l threaded on the lower ends thereof. The piston rods 36. have pull-back pistons 38 mounted on the upper ends thereof., and arranged to reciprocate within the pull-back cylinders 39 mounted on either side of the main cylinder 26. The ports 4D beneath the pull-back pistons 38 open into the pipe line 4I, which serves to convey fluid thereto from the control valve 2, in a manner described below. Similarly, the upper ends of the pull-back cylinders 39 contain ports 42, from which pipe lines 43 run to the ports 44 0f the surge tank 45 to drain ofi' leakage from pistons. Escape of fluid from the pull-back cylinders 39 is prevented by the packings 46 compressed by the glands 41 around the piston rods 36.

The head of the main cylinder 26 (Figure 4) is provided with a bore 48, arranged to receive a surge Valve 49, to which is attached the actuating pipe 50 running therefrom to a connection with the pull-back cylinder pipe line 4I (Figure 1). 'Ihe surge valve 49 serves to permit the prelling of the main cylinder 2B, while the main plunger 21 is moving. downward under gravity at the beginning of the forward stroke; and also serves to release fluid from the main cylinder 26 during the return stroke -of the platen. The uid for this purpose is taken in from and returned to the surge tank 45. The details of the surge valve 49 'form no part of the present invention, and a complete disclosure thereof will aioopso be found in United stam patent to Emst, No. Lacasse, issued December s1, 1932.

Movsbiy mounted m lugs u and tz in the' up per and lower press members and I0, respectively, is a press control rod 53 (Figures 2 and 3).

\ An arm I4 extends outwardly from the platen 3| The outer end of the bellcrank portion of the hand lever 50 is yoke shaped, and provided with a pair of rounded portions 53, making contact with collars 03 mounted upon the control rod 53 (Figure 2). I

Also mounted on the control rod I3 on the upper portion thereof is an adiustable collar 8|..

arranged to engage thelever of a limit switch 82, the instant of actuation being varied by moving the collar 8| up or down the control rod 53. Still further up the control rod 53 is a collar 03 (Fig' ure 2), arranged to engage the rounded ends 84 on the yokeshaped endo! a lever 85, which is pivotally mounted on the shaft 88. The latter is mounted upon the upper member of the pressi Pivotally connected' t0 the opposite end of the lever 85 from the ends 3J4 is a clevis 81, having secured thereto a link 3l leading to a clevis 83 pivotally mounted upon the amature 10 of a solenoid 1|. Adjacent the solenoid 1| and controlling the solenoid is a magnetic switch 12, the operation of which is described below.

operatively connected to the lever 05 and mounted to move upon the same shaft 88, is an arm 13. On the outer end of the arm 13 is pivotally mounted-a clevis 14, to which is attached a connecting rod 15 leading to a clevis 16, pivotally mounted upon the end o! a lever 11. The latter is pivotally supported on the shaft 18, near itsv midpoint, and on its lower end is provided with `a clevis 13 pivotally mounted thereon and connected to the operating rod 30 of the control valve 2. The details of the control valve 2 are described below. Consequently, it will be seen that when the solenoid 1| is energized the armature 10 wi1l be drawn downward, the operating rod 80 moved to the lett. When the solenoid 1| is deenergized, however, the spring 91 will force this linkage in the opposite direction, moving the solenoid'armature 10 upward, aznd the valve operating rod 30to the right.

Leading to a single connection 84 on the upper side of the control valve 2 is the pressure line 8|, whose other end terminates at the pressure coupling 82 of the pump 3. The suction coupling 83 thereof is joined to the surge tank 45 by the pipe` line 84, giving access thereto through the port 35 (Figures 1 and 2). Leadingffrom the connection 35 on the lower side of the control valve'l;` to the pull-back line 0|, is the pipe line 86. The pipe line 81 similarly leads from another bottom connection 38 of the control valve 2 to the port 38 ln the main cylinder 26 (Figures l l, 2 and 4). A connection 88 (Figure 4) serves to support the control valve 2 upon the upper member of the press, andalso to provide an exhaust duct `leading through the pipe line 38 to the surge tank 4l by way ofthe port 9| therein. Valves 32 and 83 control the discharge of fluid from the lines 38 and 84, respectively, into the surge tank `Agililgure 2). Mounted on the rear side of the upper press member is the pump 3. driven by the motor 1 (Figure 3).

, Pump control mechanism 'I'he pump 3 is of the variable delivery type, and consists of a casing |00 (Figure 5), having bearing pads |0| arranged to reciprocably support a. shift ring |02, which rotatably supports a secondary -rotor |03. On the secondary rotor are guide blocks |04, arranged to reciprocably receivethe cross heads of pistons |05. 'I'he pistois |05 reciprocate in cylinder bores |06 within a primary rotor or cylinder barrel |01. The latter ifs rotatably mounted upon a hollow pintle |08, provided with valve passages serving to transmit iluid to and from the cylinder bores |06, in a manner well known to those :killed in the art. Consequently, when the shift ring |02 is mved, the secondary rotor |03 will be caused to rotate around an axis which is eccentric to the axis of the primary,r rotor |01 upon the pintle |08. This eccentricity will cause the piston |05 to reciprocate radially in the cylinder barrel or primary rotor |01, while their cross heads reciprocate tangentially in the guide blocks |04.

(Secured to one side of the shift ring |02 by the threaded connection |03 is a rod ||0, having a screw threaded portion at its outer end. Threaded upon this portion is the hub ||2 of 'a hand wheel ||3, which engages a slidable sleeve ||4 through the intermediate agency o! a ball thrust bearing ||5. 'Surrounding the rod ||0, with one end engaging the inner end of the sleeve H4, is a coil spring H6, the opposite end oi vwhich engages a collar ||1, surrounding the rod ||0 and abutting the casing |00 of the pump. Anut ||8 on the threaded outer end H9 of the rod ||0 prevents dislodgment of the hand wheel H3. The sleeve ||4 is reciprocable within the casing of the adjusting device 5, this casing being secured to the pump casing 00 by the bolts |21. The rod ||0 passes through a borei22 in the'v casing '|00. Consequently, by rotating the hand wheel I3 the spring I6 may be compressed to impart any desired amount of force to the rod ||0.

Secured tothe opposite side of the shift ring |02, as by the threaded connection |23,` is a rod |24 which passes through the bore |25 in the pump casing |00, and also through the bore |28 in the casing |21 of the pump control device 4. Within the casing |21 is a chamber |28. and within this chamber the rod |24 is enlarged to provide an' annular piston head |29. The port |30' provides access to the chamber |23 and is joined to the pipe |3| leading to the pressure coupling 82 of the pump 3 (Figures l and 5). The casing |21 is secured tothe pump casing |00 by means of the bolts |32.

The enlarged portion of the rod |2Ms arranged to reciprocate within an enlarged bore |33, coaxial with the bore |26 on the opposite side of thev chamber |20 (Figure 6) The end of the encounterbore |34, which continues from a 'bore |35. passing entirely through the rod l 24 from the.

interior of thepump casing |00 at its threaded connection |23. Diagonal passageways |30 lead from the outer end of the'rod |24 into the bore Vso as to provide free "passage of oil therethrough. Mounted in the counterbore is a hollow" plug |31 containing a bore |38, arranged to receive a coil spring .|'39. One end of the coil spring engages the plug, |40, threaded. into ,the upper end of thebore |38 (Figure 6), whereas the opposite end engages the enlarged portion |4I of a switch operating rod |42 which passes throughs.

bore |43 in the end of the hollow plug |31. The outer end of the hollow plug |31 passes through a bore |44 in the end wall of a switch casing 45, the latter being secured to the control casing |21 by the bolts |46 (Figure 8).

Surrounding the hollow plug |31 is an annular oil seal |41, held in position by an annular plate |48, secured by the screws |49 to an annular projection. |50 upon the end Wall of the switch casing |45. The threaded aperture in the end of the control casing |21 is' provided for purposes not connected with the present invention. The

switch casing |45 contains a cover plate |52, held in engagement therewith by the bolt |53.` 'Ihe cover plate |52 gives' access to a normally closed single-throw switclr |54 secured to the switch casing |45 by the bolts |55. The contact button |56 of the switch |54 is arranged in line with the switch operating rod |42 on the end of the plug |31 in the rod |24 (Figures 6 and 8). Ports |51 provide drainage of any oil which may escape past the oil seal |41.

When it is desired to cause the pump to deliver iluid the hand wheel ||3 is turned so as tor move the shift ring |02 to a position which is eccentric of the pintle |08 and primary rotor |01, compressing the spring H6. VAs the pump operates it builds up pressure, this pressure being 'communicated through the line |3| from the pressure coupling 82 to the chamber |28. This pressure acts against the annular piston head |29, and `when it increases to a suihciently large amount it overcomes the resistance of the coil springr ||6 and moves the pump shift ring |02 downward toward its neutral position (Figure 5). In this manner the pump is caused to regulate itself and to cut down its own discharge when its delivery ap-V proaches a predetermined pressure. When the shifting of the shift ring |02 thus takes place. through the action of the annular piston head |29, the same action causes the switch operating rod |42 to move f rom its disengaged position (Figure 6) to its engaged position (Figure 7), operating the switch |54 and opening its normally closed contacts. This brings about a control of the solenoid 1| through the magnetic switch 12, in the manner described below.

Control valve construction and operation The control valve 2 consists of a casing |60 (Figures 1|) to V118), provided with a pair of substantially parallel bores |6| and |62 (Figure l0).

The opposite ends ofthe bore 6| are closed by the annular plugs |63, having the/packings |64 for preventing the escape of iluid.' The screws` |58 serve to secure the plugs |63 to the casing otally engages, as at |69, a clevis mounted on the endof the valve operating' rod 80 (Figures 2 and 10).

The valve rod |66 is provided with a plurality of heads |1|, |12, |13 and |14. The heads |l1| and |14 serve to limit the reciprocation of the valve rod |66 by engaging the annular plugs |63 atthe opposite limit of reciprocation. The valve head |12 is provided with oppositely drilled passages and |16, which serve for, the passage oi iluid in the mid-position of the valve shown in 'Figure 1.4, at which time "the valve is in the position for causing the platen to remain idle at the top of its stroke.

The valve bore |6| is provided with a'plurality of enlarged ducts |11, |18, |19, |80 and |8|. The duct |11 leads from the bore |6| to the choke bore |82, the latter receiving the choke screw |83, threaded therein and arranged to partially close the aperture |84 in the end thereof. The end cap |85 covers theend of the choke screw |83 and prevents it from being accidentally rotated. The aperture |84 opens into the exhaust duct |86, passing through the connection 89 by which the valve is supported upon the press head The duct |8| also establishes communication between the valve bore |6| and the choke bore |81. The latter is of similar construction to the choke bore |82 and receives a choke screw |88, threaded therein and having a tapered end, partially closing the aperture |89, likewise leading into the exhaust duct |86. The choke screw |88 is similarly covered by an end cap |90 for a similar purpose to theI end cap 85. The choke screws |83 and |88 are provided with drilled passages |9| and |92, respectively, these providing drainage into the exhaust duct |86 from the annular chambers |93 and |94 surrounding the choke screws |83 and |88, and communicating by the drilled passages |95 and |96 with the opposite ends of the valve bore |6|. The outer end of the duct |8| communicates with the valve bore |62. The ducts |18 and |80 also establish intercommunication between the valve bores. |6| and |62. The outer end of the valve bore |62 is closed by a threaded plug |91, giving access to the interior thereof.

Reciprocably mounted in the valve bore 62 is a -valve rod 98, having spaced heads |99 and 200 thereon. An enlargement in the chamber 202 serves to limit the motion of the valve rod |98, and is urged to the left 'by the coil spring 203, whose opposite end rests against the inner wall of the spring cap 204. The latter is secured to the casing |60 by means of the screws 205. Fluid is permitted to enter the duct |19 in the valve bore |6| through the port 206 (Figure 16). The latter communicates with the upper connection 94, leading to the pressure pipe line 8| from the pump v3. The port 201 leads from the duct |18 to the lower left-hand connection 96, whence the pipe line 81 leads to the main cylinder 26. A third port 208 leads from the duct |80, within the valve bore |62, to the outer connection 95, from which the pipe line 86 runs to the pipe line 4| of the pull-back cylinders 39 (Figures 1 and l0).

In the operation of the control valve 2 the valve rods |66 and |98 may occupy any one of the five different positions shown in Figures 10 to 14, inclusive. 'I'he rstposition of the control valve 2 provides for the forward movement 0f the press, and is shown in Figure 1`0. In this position the uid from the pressure coupling 82 of the pump 3 passes along the pressure line 8|, through the connectionv and port 206, into the duct |19, thence through the passageway provided between the valve heads |13 and |12, into the duct |18, thence through the port 201 and the connection 96, to and through the line 81 llfading to the main cylinder 26 (Figures 1 and At .the same time the oil from the .pull-back cylinders 39 vproceeds through the pipe lines 4| and 86 to the connection 95, thence through the port 208 in to the duct |80, thence through the passageway between the valve heads |13 and |14 into the duct |8|, thence through the choked,

aperture |89, into the exhaust d uct |86, thence through the pipe line 90 into the surge tank 46',

through the port 9| thereof (Figures 1 and 10); The choke screw |88 permits the rapid traverse speed of the platen to be adjusted by varying the size of the annular passage through the` aperture |89 into the exhaust duct |86..

As 'soon as the press platen encounters the resistance of the work-piece, the pressure built up in the system will force the lower valve head |99 to the right into the' position shown in Figure 11. 'I'his position is maintained' during the pressing operation, and the fluid coming from the pullback cylinders 39, through the port 208,' is additionally permitted to pass outward through the duct |8I, as well as through the duct |80.

When the desired pressure has been exerted upon the work-piece, the valve rod |66 is moved to the right into the position shown in Figure 12, either manually, by means of the hand lever 56 or by the solenoid 1|. as energized by the openlo ing of the normally closed switch |54 associated discharge proceeds through the port 206 and into exhaust duct |86, returning to the surge tank 45 by the line 90. l l

In this manner cthe discharge of the pump is diverted to the surge tank 45, and thus by-passed while the pressure is discharging from the main cylinder 26. The fluid from the main cylinder 28 proceeds through the port 88 and the line 81, through the connection 96 and the port 201 into the duct |18, and thence through the annu lar passageway between the heads |12 and |1| into the duct |11, thence outward past the choked aperture |84 into the exhaust duct |86, and thence to the surge tank 45 by way of the line 90.

Thus the choke screw |83 may be adjusted so that a gradual and slow release of the pressure uid from the main cylinder can take place. without any shock because the pump discharge is by-passed while this release is taking place. This provision gives a place for the ilow of the pump to be diverted .while the gradual release of the pressure in the main cylinder takes place, for otherwise pressure from the pump could not lift the platen 3| by means of the pull-back pistons 38 so long as there was pressure in the main cylinder 26. The piston valve arrangement on the valve rod |98, therefore, permits the pump to' by-pass freely while the slow release of the pressure fluid in the main cylinder takes place, thereby avoiding the shock and water hammer" occasioned by sudden releases of pressure.

While the pressure in the main cylinder is being released in this manner, the consequent Ydrop in pressure permits the urge of the spring 203 to overcome the pressure remaining in the duct |18 and shift the valve rod |98 and its valve heads |99 and 200 to the fourth position of the valve, as shown in Figure 13, thus shutting ofl the by-passing arrangement of the pump. The pump now discharges from the port 206 of the valve 2 into the duct |19, through the annular passageway between the valve heads |12 and |13, and through the duct |80, into the port 208, thence through the connection 95and pipe lines 86 and 4| to the pull-back cylinders 39. The pump now discharges into the pull-back cylinders 39 and starts the return stroke of the press.

When the press platen reaches the end of its return stroke the platen arm 54 (Figure 2) raises the collar 55 cn the control rod 53, pushes the control rod 58 upward and actuates the linkages connected therewith to shift the valve rod |66 to its iiith position, shown in Figure 14. The valve heads |1|`, |12, |13 and |10 on the valve rod |66 now occupy an intermediate position to those shown in Figures and 12, respectively. In this `position the fluid from the pump entering the control valve 2 through the port 206 passes through the annular passageway to the right of the valve head |12, thence through the drilled passageways in the valve head i12, thence into the duct |18, thence through the drilled passageways |16 in the valve head |12, and through the annular passageway to the left of the valve head |12, into the duct |11, thence `outward through the choked passageway |84 into the discharge duct |86, andback to the surge tank by way of the pipe line 90.

The uid in the pull-back cylinders prisoned inthis position by the valve head |18 covering the entrance to the duct |00. -The platen accordingly halts and remains in a xed position whilgs the control valve 2 is in `its fth position (Figure 14) Should there be any tendency for the platen to coast downward the valve rod |66 will shift to the right, thus opening up a connection between the port 206 from the pump 3 and the duct |30 leading4 to the port 208, so that pressure iiuid flows along the line 88 and the pull-back cylinders, returning the platen to its previous position. By the same action the by-pass connection through the drilled passages |15 and |16 in the valve head |12 is closed. Consequently, the press platen is automatically returned to its top position whenever any tendency to trip downward is started;

Electrical and hydraulic operation The detailed operation of the control valve 2 e has been described immediately above. This control valve is operated by the valve operating rod 80 through the lever 11, the connecting rod 15, the arm 13 and the lever 65 (Figure 2). The latter may be operated either by the action of the hand lever 56 upon the control rod 53, or by the energization of the solenoid 1|, according to the manner described below, or by spring 91.

'Ihe solenoid 1| and its electrical connections are shown in Figure 9. Power current is received from the lines 2|0 and 2|| and passes to the .magnetic switch 12. If theV latter is closed the current from-the lines 2 I0 and 2| passes through the switch blades 2|2 and 2|3 into the lines '2| 5 and,2|6, running to the solenoid 1|. A third switchblade 2|4 of the magnetic switch 12 serves to close and open a holding circuit for: the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12. Also ineluded in the circuit shown in Figure 9 is the normally open forward switch 2|1, the normally closed reverse switch 2 i8 and the selector switches 2|9 and 220. These switches are mounted upon the switch box 22|, which in turn, s' mounted upon the arm 222 (Figure 2) secured to the base member i0 ofthe press.

Control current to actuate the operating coil of the magnetic switch` 12 is received from the lines 223 and 224 connected to the power lines 2|I and- 2|0 respectively, the line 223 being connected to the resistor 225'. On the other side of the resistor 225 the line 226 runs to one side of the selector switch 2|9, from the opposite side of which the line 221 runs to one side ofthe operating coil of the magnetic switch 12. From the es is im#V opposite side of the latter the line 228 runs to one side of the forward switch 2|1. A branch line 223 runs from the line 228 to one of the blade contacts engaged by the switch blade 2|4. From the opposite contact thereof the line 23|) runs to one side of the switch |54, actuated by the pump control mechanism.

From the opposite side of this switch the line 23| runs to one side of the reverse switch 2|8, the opposite side of which is connected to the line 224, previously described. From the line 228 the branch line 232 runs to one side of the limit switch 62, the opposite side of which is connected tothe selector switch 228 by the line 233. From 'the remaining terminal of the selector switch 228 the line 234 runs to the remaining terminal of the forward switch 2|1, whence the line 235 runs to a connection with the line 238.

The electrical circuit enables the press to be controlled in three different ways. Under completely automatic-control the platen performs an indeterminate. number of working and return strokes without halting at the end of each return stroke. In semi-automatic operation the'platen performs a working stroke and a return stroke, halting at the end of the return stroke. Under manual operation the press is controlled by the operator as to the termination of either or both of its strokes.

For completely automatic operation the operator closes the selector switches 2|9 and 228. He then Adepresses the forward switch 2|1. These actions energize the operating coil of the mag-l netic switch 12 by current passing from the line 2| I, through the line 223, the resistor 225, the line 226, the selector switch 2MLl the line 221, the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12, the line 228, the forward switch 2|1, the line 235, the line 238, the pump operated switch |54, the line 23|, the reverse switch 2|8 and the li'ne 224` leading to the power line 2|8. The energization of the magnetic switch 12 causes its switch blades 2|2 and 2|3 as well as 2|4 to close, whereupon the operating coil thereof remains energized through the branch line 229, the switch blade 2|4 and the line 23|), even when the operator releases the forward switch 2|1 to break the circuit between the lines 228 and 235.

As the magnetic switch 12 closes the solenoid 1| becomes energized by its lines 2|5 and 2|3 becoming connected to the power lines 2|3 andA 2|| through the switch blades 2|2 andi 2|3.

When this occurs the solenoid 1| (Figure 2) is drawn downward, moving the arm 13 to the right and the valve rod |66 to the left, into the position shown in Figure 10. The press platen then starts downward and performs its pressing operation, with the control valve 2 taking its second position as previously described in connection with Figure 11. Meanwhile, the main plunger 21 has coasted downwardly during the initial part of its stroke at a rapid traverse speed, withdrawing sumcient uid throughthe surge valve 43 from the surge tank 45.

When the pressure within the hydraulic circuit builds up toL a predetermined amount, as determined bythe resistance of the work-piece to the pressing operation, the iiuid pressure within the chamber |28 of the pump (Figure 5) forces the annular piston |23 downward and opens the normally closed switch |54. This breaks the holding circuit of the magnetic switch/12 by severing the connection between the lines 238 and 23|. Accordingly, the blades 2|4, 2|'2 and 2|3 disengage their contacts and the solenoid 1| becomes deenergized. The armature thereof is pulled upward under the influence of the spring 81 upon the linkage connected thereto.

The control valve 2 now occupies its third position (Figure 12) until the pressure has been released from the main cylinder 26 through the pipe line 81 and past the choked aperture |84 in the control valve 2, the pump discharge being automatically by-paed during this period, in the manner previously described. i

The control valve now shifts to its fourth position (Figure 13), and the return movement 'of the .platen takes place under the influence of the pressure fluid entering the pull-back cylinders 39. Meanwhile, the action of the surge valve, which is opened by the pressure fluid along the 'line 58 from the pull-back line 4|, enables the uid within the main cylinder 2,6 to be rapidly discharged into the surge tank 45.

When the platen 3| approaches the end of its return stroke the platen arm 54 will engage the collar 35 (Figure 2) and lift the control rod 53,

` causing the collar 8| thereon to engage and close the' normally open limit switch 62. 'I'his reenergizes the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12 by current proceeding from the line 2| through vthe line 223, the resistor 225, the line 226, the

selector switch 2|9, the line 221, the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12, the line 228, the branchline 232. the limit switch 62, the line 233, the selector switch 228, the lines 234, 235 and 238, the pump-operated switch |54, the line 23|, the normally closed reverse switch 2|3 and the line 224 leading to the power line 2|8.

The second closing of the switch blades 2|2, 2|3 and 2|4 again energizes the solenoid 1| to start another pressing stroke and at the same time energizes theholding circuit of the magnetic switch 12 through the switch blade 2|4, in the manner previously described (Figure 9). 'I'he operating coil of the magnetic switch 12 thus remains energized through `this holding circuit even when the limit switch 62 is opened by its release. because of. the downward motion of the collar 3| upon the control rod 53, as permitted by the downward motion of the platen3l. The press will thereafter continue automatically to execute an indeterminate number of pressing and return strokes without halting and without the necessity, on the part of the operator, of de-v pressing the forward switch 2|1 for each stroke.

To cause the press to operate under semi-automatic control, whereby the platen performs a working stroke. reverses itself and comes to rest at the end of a return stroke, the selector switch 22| is opened by the operator. The selector switch 2|3, however, is kept closed. A'I'he operator starts the operation ofthe forward stroke, as before, by clong the forward switch 2| 1. 'I'he platen 3| will then execute a working stroke, in the manner previously described in connection with the completely automatic operation. the selector switch 22| is open, however, the closing f the limit switch 32 at the end of the return stroke is ineffective to reenergize the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12. The solenoid 1| therefore remains unenergized and ineffective to start another working stroke. Accordingly, the platen 3| continues to move upward until the platen arm 54 engages the collar 35 and lifts the control rod 53, thereby shifting the control valve 2 to its iifth position, shown in Figure 14. By the action of the control-valve 2 in its fifth position, as previously described, the platen comestorestatthetopofitsreturn stroke and is held in place by the action of the control valve in preventing the tripping of the platen, as described above.

When it is desired to cause the press to execute another semi-automatic cycle of operations, the operator again dep-resses the forward switch 211. The foregoing cycle of operations then repeats itself, andthe platen moves downward, executes a pressing stroke, reverses and again comes to rest at the top of its return stroke, in the manner just described.

If it is desired to halt a working stroke at any intermediate point and to cause the return stroke to start, such as when the operator finds that the work is in an improper position or an accident has occurred, Afthe operator depresses the normally closed reverse switch 218. As this switch 218 is in series with the normally closed pump-actuated switch 154, the opening of the reverse switch 218 has the same effect as the opening of the pump-actuated switch 154, and deenergizes the holding circuit of the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12 by breaking the connection between the line 231 and the line 224 leading to the power line 210.

The consequent opening of the magnetic switch blades 212 and 213 deenergizes the solenoid 11, rwhereupon the spring 91 shifts the control valve 2 to its third position or reversing positionas shown in Figure 12. Under completely automatic operation the closing of the limit switch 62 by the raising of the control rod 5,3 again enerlgizes the solenoid 11 and causes the platen 31 to reverse at the top of its return stroke, thereby executing another pressing stroke. Under semiautomatic operation, however, the action of thel platen arm 54 and collar 55 shifts the controlA rod 53 to cause the control valve 2 to shiftto its fth position (Figure 14), whereupon the platen' comes to rest at the top of its return stroke, as vdescribed above. The reversal of the press by the use of the reverse switch 218, in effect, enables the operator to control the press platen manually by electrical means.

To render the electrical' apparatus entirely ineiective, the selector switch 219 is opened. This opens the circuit between the` line 22E running to the power line 211; through the resistor 225 and the line 223, and thus entirely prevents the ,energization of the operating coil of the magnetic switch 12 under any circumstances. The manual control lever 56 maythen be employed to move the control `rod 53 up or down and operate the control valve 2,through the linkages connecting the valve rod 165 with the cont'rol rod 53. In this manner the operator may control the action of the press by purely mechanical means, and cause it to `execute pressing .and return strokes of any desired length.

I desire to comprehend within my invention such modications as may be embraced within my claims and the scope of my invention.

Having thus fully described my inventiomwhat I claim as new'and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. Ina hydraulic vpress circuit, a pressing cylder.' a pull-,back cylinder, a pump connected to saidv cylinders having adischarge controlling member, a valve having a reversing valve member for selectively and reversibly directing the discharge from said pump to said cylindersv and, a

pump by-pass valve member in communication therewith; said valve members being arranged in one position to direct the pump discharge into said pressing cylinder while releasing the iiuid from said pull-back cylinder, in a second position to by-pass the discharge or said pump while releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder, in a third position to direct the discharge of 'said pump into said pull-back cylinder, an

electrical device for operating said reversing valve member, and a switch operated by the discharge controlling member of said pump for controlling the energizatidn of said electrical device while releasing the fluid from said pressing cylinder.

2. In a lhydraulic press circuit, a platen, a.

pressing cylinder and a pull-back cylinder connected thereto, a pump, means for selectively directing the discharge of said pump to said pressing cylinder for the execution of a pressing stroke, means for by-passing the` discharge of said pump and for releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder concomitantly, means for reducing the discharge of said pump upon the attainment of apredetermined pressure in said circuit, electrical means for operating said releasing means, and means responsive to the operation of said pump-discharge reducing means kfor controlling said electrical means.

3. Ina hydraulic press circuit, a platen, a pressing cylinder and a pull-back cylinder connected thereto, a pump, means for selectively directing the discharge of said pump to said pressing cylinderl for the execution of a pressing stroke, means for by-passing thedischarge of said pump and for releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder concomitantly, .pressureresponsive means for reducing the discharge of said pump upon the attainment of a predeter-l mined' pressure in said circuit, and electrical means for operating said releasing means, said electrical means including a switch operated by said pump discharge reducing means. y

4. In a hydraulic press circuit. a platen, a pressing cylinder and a pull-back cylinder connected thereto, a pump, means for selectively directing the discharge of said pump to said pressing cylinder for the execution of a pressing stroke, means `for by-passing the discharge of said pump and for releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder concomitantly, pressureresponsive means for reducing the discharge of said pump upon the attainment of a predeter-H mined pressure in said circuit, an electrical solenoid 'for operating said releasing means, and a .switch for controlling the energzation of said solenoid operated by said pump discharge reducing means.

5. In a hydraulic press circuit, a platen, a pressing cylinder and a pull-back cylinder connected thereto, a pump connected to said cylinders having a discharge controlling member, means for selectively directing the discharge of said pump to said pressing cylinder for the execution of a pressing stroke, a valve having` a plurality of 'valve members arranged to by-pass the discharge of said pump, electrical devicesfor operating said valve members, and a switch operated by the discharge controlling member of said pump for controlling the energization of said electrical devices.

6. In a hydraulic press circuit, a platen,

charge intosaid pressingy cylinder while releasing the pressure from said pull-back cylinder, in a second position to by-pass the discharge of said pump while releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder, and in a third position to direct the discharge of said pump into said pullback cylinder while releasing the pressure from said pressing cylinder, electrical devices for operating one of said valve members, and a switch operated by the discharge controlling member of said pump for controlling the energization of said electrical devices.

7. In a hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen and hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a variable delivery pump having a flow-controlling member adapted to vary the discharge of said pump, pressure-responsive devices for shifting said flow-controlling member upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure in said circuit, switch means operated by said flow-controlling member, valve means for directing the discharge of said pump to said motor means, and means including electrical devices for operating said valve means, said switch means being arranged to control the energization of said electrical devices.

8. In aj hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen and hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a pump for supplying pressure fluid to said motor means, a valve having a pair o1' valve members, one of said valve members being arranged to control the direction of the supply of pressure uid to said motor means and the other valve member being arranged responsive to the exceeding. of a predetermined pressure in the forwardly directing portion of said hydraulic motor means to by-pass the discharge of said pump during the release of pressure fluid lfrom said motor means prior to the reversal 'thereof, and means for impeding the flow of pressure uid from said motor means during said release.

9. In a hydraulic press circuit, a press'havlng a platen,and hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a variable delivery pump having a flow-controlling member adapted to vary the discharge of said pump, means fory reversibly directing the discharge of said pump to said motor means, means including electrical devices for operating said directing means, and a circuit controlling device arranged to control the energization of said electrical operating devices connected to said flow-controlling member for actuation thereby.

10. In a hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen andlhydraulic motorf-means for operating said platen in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a variable delivery pump having a flow-controlling member adapted to vary the discharge of said pump, pressure-re-I sponsive means associated with said pump for shifting said flow-controlling member to reduce the discharge of said pump upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure, means for reversibly directing the discharge of said -pump to said motor means, means including electrical devices for operating said directing means, and a circuit controlling device arranged to control the energization of said electrical operating devices connected to said flow-controlling member for actuation thereby.

11. In a hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen and a hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward stroke `and in a return stroke, a variable delivery pump having a movable flow-controlling member for supplying pressure fluid to said motor means, valve means for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to said motor means forits forward and return strokes, means including an electrical device for 4shifting saidvvalve means, an electrical circuit arranged to operate said valve means to cause said platen to substantially uninterruptedly perform an indeterminate number of forward and return strokes, and an electrical circuit controller electrically connected to said electrical circuit to control the same and operatively connected to said pump now-controlling member tov be operated thereby.

l2. In a hydraulic Vpress circuit, a press having a platen and hydraulic motor means-for operating said platen in a forward stroke and in a return stroke, a variable delivery pump having a movable now-controlling member for supplying pressure fluid to said motor means, valve means for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to said motor means for its forward and return strokes,

means including an electrical device for shifting said valve means, an electrical circuit arranged to operate said valve means to cause said platen to substantially uninterruptedly perform an indeterminate number of forward and return strokes, means associated with said pump to shift said flow-controlling member to reduce the discharge of said pumpA upon the vattainment of a predetermined pressure, and an electrical circuit controller electrically connected to said electrical circuit to control the same and operatively connected to said pump flow-controlling member to be operated thereby upon the attainment of said predetermined pressure.

13. In a hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen and hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward stroke and in a return stroke, a variable delivery pump having a movable` flow-controlling member for supplyingl shifting said valve means, an electrical circuit g arranged to operate said valve means to cause said platen to perform a single forward stroke and a single return stroke with a halt at the end thereof, and an electrical circuit controller electrically connected to said electrical circuit to control the same and operatively connected to said pump flow-controlling member to be operated thereby.

14. In a. hydraulic press circuit, a press having a platen'and hydraulic motor means for operating said platen in a forward strokeand in a return stroke, a variable delivery pump havinga movable flow-controlling member for supplying pressure fluid to said motor means, valve means for controlling the-supply of pressure uid to said motor means for its forward and return strokes, means including an electrical device for shifting said valve means, an electrical circuit arranged to operate said yvalve means to cause said platen to perform selectively a continuously repeated indeterminate number of forward and return strokes, or a single forward stroke and a single return stroke with a halt at the end thereof, and an electrical circuit controller electrically connected tosaid electrical circuit to control the same and operatively 4connected to said pump flow-controlling member to be operated thereby.

15. In a hydraulic press system. a pressing cylinder, a pull back cylinder. a pump, a valve casing having a plurality of ports, a hydraulic circuit interconnecting said cylinders with said pump and said valve casing, a valve member arranged to distribute fluid selectively to a plurality of ports in saidcasing, said valve member being arranged in one position to relieve the presi sure in said pressing cylinder through certain of said ports, a by-pass member arranged to shift into a pump delivery by-passing position rela-` tively to said ports in response to the attainment of a predetermined pressure in said pressing cylinder to by-pass a portion of the fluid entering in another positiony to supply 4iuid to said pull- 10 back cylinder while relieving pressure in said pressing cylinder.

WALTER ERNST. 

